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Since July last year, Slater has added British firms Goodmans, ­Taylor Vinters, Fentons, John Pickering & Partners and now Pannone, which together are estimated to offer another $125.6 million in annual revenue. If that estimate is achieved, and existing UK revenue does not fall, then total UK revenue could be close to $200 million for the next full financial year in which all six acquired firms contribute to Slater’s coffers.

Slater managing director
Andrew Grech
said the addition of Pannone gave the firm “the scale we believe is necessary to operate in the UK market". The firm is buying Pannone’s consumer law business, which includes its personal injuries, family law, wills and estates, and private ­client practices.

“Post completion of this transaction, Slater & Gordon will hold the No.1 or No.2 market share position in most consumer law practice areas," he said.

Slater’s share price has risen from $3 to just under $4.50 in the last six months. It is not yet clear if more acquisitions are on the way. Mr Grech said the firm will spend the coming year integrating its current UK acquisitions and focusing on “delivering operational efficiencies".

Chairman
John Skippen
told investors upon the release of Slater’s annual results in late October that the core Australian personal injury business continued to do well.

But a highlight of the year “was the acceleration of our expansion into the UK market and the successful $65 million equity raising undertaken to support this activity".